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Education

Many of the issues facing our country are extraordinarily complex and nuanced. In order to understand these policy issues and the various perspectives around them, elected leaders, government staff, the public, industry, and nonprofits must first have an objective basic knowledge that is rooted in fact. Center Forward’s Basics series presents complicated issues in a non-partisan and easy-to-understand manner.

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Major Financial Laws: Securities Regulations – Part 2 of 4

Financial Services

The Financial Services industry’s maze of regulations and laws often leaves many confused. While the securities industry, relative to the banking industry, has fewer laws, these laws have been around for a significant period of modern American history, changing little until the 21st century. An additional difference from banking regulations is that securities regulations focus primarily on disclosures and transparency, whereas banking regulations are primarily prudential and supervisory. In recent years, especially with the rise of Financial Holding Companies, many federal and state laws have regulated firms offering banking, payments, and securities services as financial firms adapted to provide full-service financial products to clients. While U.S. capital markets continue to innovate and thrive, the regulatory landscape will need to adapt to the changing nature of the U.S. economy and the needs of investors.

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Major Financial Laws: Banking and Payments Laws – Part 1 of 4

Financial Services

The Financial Services industry is subject to a web of regulations and laws across federal and state jurisdictions. The regulatory environment can thus be confusing, especially given the overlapping powers and jurisdictions that often define the industry. This Basic is the first in a new financial services series in which we will dive into reviews of the regulatory environment to demystify the laws and regulations of the Financial Services industry. This first Basic will discuss the major laws governing banking and payments in the United States.

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Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Health Care

Employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) has long been the most common source of healthcare coverage for Americans. Employees may be eligible for employer-sponsored health coverage, which covers a significant portion of the costs of receiving health care. Around 60% of individuals under the age of 65, almost 165 million people, receive their insurance through an employer-sponsored plan.

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Follow the Money: Uncovering the Tax Side of Illicit Trade

Tax Trade

By exploiting loopholes, inconsistent tax regimes, and weak enforcement, bad actors can move legitimate goods through illegitimate channels, undermining fair competition and depriving governments of billions in tax revenue.

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Counterfeiting and Illicit Trade: How Fake Goods Harm Consumers and Businesses

Intellectual Property Trade

Counterfeiting is one of the fastest-growing forms of illicit trade, threatening consumers, governments, and businesses.

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Most Favored Nation: International Reference Pricing For Drugs

Health Care

Traditionally, the United States has relied on pricing dictated by free market forces, but some have suggested changing the United States drug pricing system to a form of International Reference Pricing known as Most Favored Nation (MFN). Under this system, drug prices would be set based on the lowest amount paid by other countries with a Gross Domestic Product comparable to that of the United States.

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The Underground Economy: An Overview of Illicit Trade

Trade

Illicit trade is a global challenge with sweeping economic, social, and political consequences. International efforts highlight the complexity of illicit trade and the need for sustained, cooperative action to combat its effects.

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A New Trade Framework for The U.S. and EU

Trade

The United States and the bloc of countries making up the European Union (EU) are two of the most influential economies on the global stage. This Basic will examine the history of this powerful trading alliance, the sensitive industries and supply chains connecting the U.S. and EU, and the framework for a new trade relationship in 2025.

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